JTHS Bridge Builder Mar Kay Keith knows what it was like to be new to the Joliet community as a parent to a Joliet West student (who graduated in 2019) after having moved to Joliet from Indiana in 2015. She graduated from Indiana University in 1992 and holds a degree in secondary education with endorsements in History and Humanities. Keith relocated to Illinois in 2013 and was employed at Merrilville Community Schools in Indiana. She continued the commute until 2015, when she took a job in private education in Illinois.

Keith is the founder of the “Parents of Joliet West” group on Facebook. Moderated by five administrators including Keith, this Facebook group serves as an online forum for West parents to share verified JTHS information and ask questions that Keith can confirm the answers through her role as a JTHS Bridge Builder. The social media group is very focused on parents receiving the correct information, focusing on everything from registration, HAC, policies, clubs and more.

Keith said, “One day on Facebook there was a group giving wrong information to parents regarding calculators at West.  It was totally out of hand.  I commented and so did another West parent.  Then two more messaged me.  It was right then when I decided to form our group. I honestly set up this group just to let West parents know the steps regarding the calculators. The group literally took off overnight!”

Keith added, “I am often asked how long are you going to keep doing this since my son graduated in 2019?  My answer is I will keep doing this as long as I can help someone. Just this year we have started a Prom Dress Drive for West students in need. Today this Prom Dress Drive really gives me something to strive for. I hope to be able to offer Homecoming Dresses next year and collect dress year-round.”

Keith volunteers as a JTHS Bridge Builder, meaning she offers her time to serve as a bridge between schools and families. Click here to learn more about the Bridge Builder Program: https://www.jths.org/family-resources/bridge-builders